January 25, 1948 - February 28, 2022
Cheryl Doreen Zimmerman was born January 25th, 1948 in Duncan, BC, and passed away with her loving husband Ken at her side on February 28th, 2022. She grew up in Alberta, listening to Country Music, enjoying the Chuckwagon races, and spending time with her Nana and Papa whom she adored. She was a natural when it came to playing the piano. Nothing could soothe the soul as effectively as the sounds of "I Fall to Pieces" and "Help Me Make it Through the Night" ringing through her home as she swayed and played the keyboard.
During her last year of high school, she moved to Vernon with her family where Ken first saw her onstage at a hypnotist's show. He was smitten with "the funny girl in the yellow sweater" long before their first date. They married on January 28th, 1967, welcoming their daughter Jodie in January 1968 and their son Kody in November 1971. Cheryl fully supported Ken as he climbed the company ladder, moving to Castlegar, Summerland, Grand Forks, Quesnel, Prince George, Fruitvale, Cranbrook, and finally back to Vernon during their 55-year marriage. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom when her children were young. She was impressively agile when it came to chasing down her kids' school bullies and always made sure that everyone was well-fed. No one could make tastier milkshakes, lasagna, or Christmas fudge. When the kids grew older, Cheryl went to college. This gave her opportunities to work for the school districts in Quesnel and Trail as well as the Prince George Library. In later years, she enjoyed trips to the southwest United States with Ken and teaching Mahjong at the Vernon Library. Cheryl made many friends along the way, all of whom she treasured and enjoyed.
Cheryl welcomed her son-in-law Graeme and daughter-in-law Sophie into her life, loving each as if they were her own children. Graeme remembers her sending him a gift each day to cheer him up during a seven-week hospital stay. She cheered him up with a box full of gifts to open each day during the many weeks he was tied to his hospital bed. With no extended family living in Canada, Sophie appreciated how Cheryl took the time to invite her to family dinners and Yahtzee games with Grandma Evelyn, Grandma Ruth, and Grandpa Bud.
Cheryl's true calling came when she became a Nana. She was devoted to her four grandchildren: Thorne, Dane, Jason, and Fable. She often reminded them that she loved them "lots and lots and too much."
Thorne is grateful for the smile in her eyes and for her patience while she taught him arts and crafts and how to play the piano. Dane loved her compassionate nature and their shared love for Country Music. Jason enjoyed the enthusiasm she had for family. He will remember their long conversations about current events while sharing the details of their days. Fable appreciated Nana's support for any idea, project, or interest she wanted to pursue and her patience while teaching Fable Mahjong.
Cheryl was predeceased by her parents, Bud and Ruth Byers, her brother, Gordon Byers, and her in-laws, Walter and Evelyn Zimmerman.
Cheryl filled her family's lives with lovingly cross-stitched Christmas ornaments, thoughtful birthday cards, infectious laughter, and warm hugs. She leaves them more certain than ever that living for love leads to a life well-lived.
In respecting Cheryl's wishes, she was cremated and a celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in Cheryl's memory to a local Food Bank or to any charity that gives help and hope to those less fortunate in these tough times.